Bronx, New York — What began as an ordinary summer evening ended in tragedy when 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, the son of an NYPD sergeant, was fatally shot after gunfire erupted outside a neighborhood bodega in the Bronx. Authorities say the child had just finished shopping and was getting back on his bicycle when a nearby fight escalated into a shooting, leaving his family and the community devastated.
Innocent 12-Year-Old Caught in Deadly Gunfire
According to police, the shooting happened at approximately 5:30 p.m. Saturday near Elliot Place and the Grand Concourse.
Jacob Freytes had just purchased items from Wanda Deli Grocery and was leaving the store when multiple shots were fired into a crowd gathered outside. Investigators believe the gunfire followed a physical altercation involving six men, though authorities have not yet determined what sparked the fight or who the intended target was.
Jacob, who was not believed to have been involved in the altercation, was struck by a bullet during the chaos.
Family Recalls Boy’s Final Moments
Jacob’s uncle, Julio Lopez, said the young boy had simply been out shopping when violence suddenly erupted.
According to Lopez, Jacob heard a commotion outside the store before a bullet struck him in the chest, causing him to fall from his bicycle.
Surveillance footage released by the United Bodegas Association reportedly captured Jacob paying at the cash register before leaving the store moments before the shooting began.
The footage also showed the fight breaking out immediately afterward.
Despite his injuries, Jacob reportedly managed to run back inside the deli while seeking help before collapsing on the floor.
“He was saying hi to the guys on the block,” Lopez said. “He showed respect. He was a good kid. He’s gonna be missed.”
Victim Was Son of NYPD Sergeant
Family members said Jacob’s father serves as a sergeant with the New York City Police Department and was in Connecticut when the shooting occurred.
Jacob was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to police.
The heartbreaking loss has deeply affected both his family and the wider law enforcement community.
Two Others Injured as Investigation Continues
Police said two additional victims were also struck during the shooting.
A 25-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the buttocks, while a 34-year-old man was shot in the foot. Both were transported to local hospitals and are expected to recover.
As of the latest update, no arrests have been made, and investigators have not released information about possible suspects. Detectives continue reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence to determine who opened fire.
City Leaders Condemn the Violence
The shooting prompted emotional responses from city officials.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson described the incident as heartbreaking, saying her “heart is so heavy” following the death of the young boy.
She said she was “outraged, heartbroken, and disgusted,” adding that an innocent child standing outside a neighborhood grocery store with his bicycle “was hit by a bullet that was not meant for him.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous act.”
“Our children should be able to ride their bikes on a nice summer day in their neighborhood without fear of being shot,” the mayor wrote, adding that the city cannot accept such violence as normal.
Police continue investigating the fatal shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
What are your thoughts on this tragic incident? Do you believe more should be done to protect innocent bystanders from gun violence? Share your views in the comments below.
